for the past 2 years, we've used two Logitech Attack 3 sticks for the driver(tank drive skid steer) and a Logitech Dual Action controller for the operator.

The drivers for the past few years preferred the sticks for their feel. Even our season driver from 2011, who flew planes as a hobby, preferred the sticks over any hand held alternative. Personally, I prefer two sticks, but as I drove for our FTC team, I see the light in hand held controllers.

The big plus we see in the game pad for the operator is the large availability of buttons in such a small package. This year, we gave the operator another panel purely for minibot deployment. We thought that separating the controls will prevent any accidental deployments.